self defence

[medical6969]

With the increase in violence against healthcare staff in the UK, I think its only reasonable to get some basic self defence lessons paid for by your employer.

Especially if you work in a pharmacy with lots of methadone addicts. I have been threatened numerous times. My brother had a knife against his throat at his pharmacy.

I have started Wing Chun lessons and find it a very practical form of self defence/martial arts. No fancy moves, just simple ways to protect yourself from the nasty people of this world.

Any thoughts?

[admin]

With the increase in violence against healthcare staff in the UK, I think its only reasonable to get some basic self defence lessons paid for by your employer.

I totally agree - some actually do offer such courses.

Especially if you work in a pharmacy with lots of methadone addicts. I have been threatened numerous times.

Been there mate!

My brother had a knife against his throat at his pharmacy.

That happened to a pharmacist friend of mine who is nearly seventy!

I have started Wing Chun lessons and find it a very practical form of self defence/martial arts. No fancy moves, just simple ways to protect yourself from the nasty people of this world.

Sounds good.

Any thoughts?

Well, I have actually been on such a course! It was basic self defence but good fun. The best move we were shown was the swanneck. I have actually used it once and held someone on the floor for about 10 to 15 minutes while the police arrived!

All good fun this pharmacy lark.....

[Fleegle]

I thought you had gone fishing!

Fleeg.

[admin]

I thought you had gone fishing!

Fleeg.

Hi

I am - going on Monday until Friday. I just couldn't help myself!

[dizzyb23]

Learning to take care of yourself is always a good idea. I'm ex Security/Prison Service and have lost count of the amount of times my training has helped me out of many dodgy situations. Believe it or not, i've been threatened more working in a community Pharmacy than when I was at a Cat A male prison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The thing that annoys me though is that no matter how bad the "customer" treats us, our company will NOT back us up. Physical/mental/verbal abuse towards healthcare professionals will not be tolerated unless you work for a major high street pharmacy chain and then you can treat the staff as badly as you want and you'll get away with it every single time.......................

[Rafael]

you probably work for one of those chains with a moto ' the customer is always right'

[dizzyb23]

Yep Raoul....you know the one....it's such a bad sign of the times that violent, foul mouthed, racist individuals can't be dealt with the way they should be. I banned one from our shop for his constant inappropriate behaviour. Did my Area manager back me up with this decision??? Not a chance. How can this be ok??? I have the right to go to work each day NOT expecting a confrontation and an ongoing battle to maintain a level of decency and good manners. I've joined USDAWS' campaign for safety at work for retail staff. It won't do much good but I feel like i'm doing something positive.